Cricket ball memorial to Trooper Albert 'Tibby' Cotter, 12th LHR, c. 1917

Historical note:

Following his death, this unique memorial trophy was commissioned by the family of Trooper Albert ‘Tibby’ Cotter, 12th Light Horse Regiment, from the cricket ball he had used at Ceylon in 1904 to take six English wickets for 40 runs.

Tibby—internationally renowned as Australia’s best and most intimidating fast bowler—was killed in action at the Battle of Beersheba, 31st October 1917. Tibby was amongst the 67 men of the 4th Light Horse Brigade killed or wounded in an offensive that lasted under 5 minutes.

Materials:

Leather, cotton, silver, enamel

Category:

Souvenirs and ephemera

Conflict:

First World War (1914-18)

Location:

Sydney

Australia

Story:

Albert 'Tibby' Cotter

Production Date:

c. 1917

Engraved:

ALBERT COTTER 12th L Horse Killed in Action 31st October 1917 In his 34th Year

On this day

3 June

1942 — Battle of MIDWAY began. This decisive victory by the US Navy over the Japanese Navy shifted the balance of sea power in the Pacific and forced Japan to abandon plans to attack New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa. Japanese losses were 4 aircraft carriers, 1 cruiser, 248 aircraft, and over 3,000 sailors. American losses were 1 aircraft carrier, 1 destroyer, 150 aircraft, and 307 men

1944 — 78 Squadron, RAAF, carried out the last major air combat by the RAAF in WW2, off BIAK Island, New Guinea. 10 enemy planes were shot down for the loss of one Australian plane and pilot

1969 — HMAS MELBOURNE collided with USS FRANK E EVANS in the South China Sea. EVANS was cut in half and 74 of her crew were killed